The National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW) has urged the Federal Government and construction companies to embrace green cement as part of efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The union’s President, Stephen Okoro, made the call on the sidelines of the 7th National Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Abuja. Green cement refers to eco-friendly, sustainable alternatives to conventional Portland cement, designed to significantly cut carbon emissions.

Okoro noted that “just transition,” the shift from carbon-based economic activities to a low- or zero-carbon economy has become a global priority. He stressed that the process must be carried out in a way that limits the negative impact on workers, their families, and communities.

“In the civil engineering, construction, and furniture industries, employers are advised to key into just transition programmes. It is time for us to look into the use of green cement for construction,” he said.

The union also backed the government’s policy on concrete road construction as an alternative to asphalt, though Okoro pointed out that the policy has already led to the revocation of some contracts, resulting in job losses and bankruptcy.

“We support concrete road construction, especially in areas with difficult topography, but this should be a gradual process,” he said. “Most employers are yet to procure the necessary equipment, and many of our skilled members still require proper training for this transition.”

He urged the government to support employers in training more artisans to ensure job creation, efficiency, and speed in project delivery. Okoro further reiterated the union’s call for stricter enforcement of climate change regulations, funding for grassroots awareness campaigns, and sanctions against violators. He also advocated transparency in climate change control measures, aggressive tree planting, compensation for victims of climate impacts, and the dredging of waterways.

“Governments at local, state, and federal levels should reawaken regulatory agencies in the building and environment sector to ensure strict compliance with building regulations and reduce the menace of building collapse across the country,” he added.